Save This For Later
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Families across Milwaukee can enjoy theater together thanks to Sensory-Friendly Performances at First Stage. These special performances are designed for children who need sensory accommodations, making it possible for everyone to share the experience of live, family-friendly theater in a welcoming and supportive environment.
If you’re also looking for more sensory-friendly resources, don’t miss our guide to Resources for Special Needs Kids Around Milwaukee
What Is a Sensory-Friendly Performance?
First Stage’s Sensory-Friendly Performances create an inclusive environment designed to support children on the autism spectrum, children with sensory sensitivities, and families who benefit from a more flexible theater experience.
Here’s what you can expect:
Inclusive, Welcoming Environment
- House lights remain on at a reduced level throughout the performance
- Families may move, talk, or take breaks as needed
- A pre-show demonstration introduces the actors in costume, highlights moments with louder sounds or lighting changes, and helps children know what to expect
- Quiet areas are available and staffed by educators experienced with developmental differences
- A Money Back Guarantee if your child is having an off day — you can exchange or receive a refund
Accommodations Include:
- Reduced loud or jarring sounds
- Reduced flashing or strobe lights
- House lights at a low level throughout
- Modified house rules allowing movement and talking
- Pre-show demonstration with actors
- Personal sensory items (fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones) welcome
- Sensory bags available for checkout from the House Manager
- Social Narratives for both venues
- TV monitors in the Todd Wehr Theater lobby if a break is needed
- A calm, supportive environment designed for success
2025–26 Sensory-Friendly Performance Schedule
Below are the sensory-friendly shows announced so far for the upcoming season.
The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!
Saturday, December 6 at 3:30 PM
Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater
Lovabye Dragon
Saturday, January 31 at 3:30 PM
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center’s Goodman Mainstage Hall
Peter Pan and Wendy
Saturday, March 7 at 3:30 PM
Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater
Disney’s Frozen
Saturday, April 25 at 2:00 PM
Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater
Tickets
Tickets for Sensory-Friendly Performances can be ordered by phone only:
📞 (414) 267-2961 (weekdays, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.)
This helps First Stage’s team ensure families have the accommodations and support they need.
More information:
firststage.org/Sensory-Friendly-Performances
Plan Your Visit
For practical details about each venue, including parking, entrances, and what to expect when you arrive, be sure to review the Social Narrative created for your performance location. These are show-specific and updated closer to each date.
These guides help children know what to expect before they arrive.
- Visiting the Todd Wehr Theater — Social Narrative
- Visiting the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center — Social Narrative
More Ways to Enjoy Theater With Your Family
If you’re exploring more accessible or flexible theater options:
Support for Sensory-Friendly Programming
These performances are supported in part by a grant from the Milwaukee Arts Board and the Wisconsin Arts Board, with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
